Antipolo cops foil kidnap attempt on engineer

MANILA, Philippines - Police rescued yesterday an engineer from at least six men who tried to kidnap him in Antipolo City yesterday.

The armed men, who were clad in military uniforms and wore bonnets to hide their faces, abandoned Antonio Julian Botor, 43, of Maia Alta Subdivision in Barangay Dalig, after engaging members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) of the Antipolo City police in a gunfight.

Senior Superintendent Rolando Anduyan, Rizal police director, said Botor is undergoing debriefing for the possible identification and arrest of the suspects.

“We are conducting a background investigation on Botor, including the businesses he is involved in, which might help us in our investigation on his kidnap try,” said Anduyan.

Anduyan said the suspects blocked the gold Hyundai Starex van (EBV-643) that Botor and his driver, Antonio Gallanosa were riding at around 6:30 a.m.

At gunpoint, the suspects handcuffed Botor and dragged him to their getaway vehicle, a white Mitsubishi Adventure (DPK-758).

 Members of Botor’s household called Antipolo City police chief Superintendent Rodino Elfa, who dispatched SWAT units to chase the suspects.

A gunfight ensued during which the security escort of Botor, identified as Michael Salispara was hit in the right thigh.

Anduyan said the kidnappers left behind their getaway vehicles, including two Armalite rifles, one armed with a grenade launcher; three magazines; and assorted ammunition.

Botor told Elfa that the suspects told him that a certain “colonel” wanted to talk to him in person. The suspects, however, refused to identify the supposed colonel.

He said he has no known enemies on his job as a contractor and a cadastral surveyor.